Eight Albertans Set to Compete at WorldSkills

International skills competition raises the status and standards of vocational skills and training

CALGARY, Alberta – August 20, 2009 – With less than two weeks remaining to the opening of WorldSkills Calgary 2009, Skills Canada Alberta is helping its eight alumni put the final touches to their year-long training before they take the world stage. As part of the “Great 38” members of Team Canada, these talented Albertans will join 900 Competitors from 51 Member countries/regions to compete for medals in more than 45 skills categories ranging from mobile robotics to aircraft maintenance. The international trade and technology Competition takes place September 1 to 7, 2009 at Calgary’s Stampede Park.

These eight finalists began their journey at the 2008 Provincial Skills Competition in Calgary, where they were chosen to compete against the country’s best trade and technology students for a position on Team Canada.

“Alberta’s eight members of Team Canada have each gained tremendous experience travelling across Canada, and in some cases internationally to prepare for the 40th WorldSkills Competition,” said Chris Browton, Executive Director, Skills Canada Alberta. “Now with the Competition less two weeks away, we are confident that our Skills Canada Alberta alumni are prepared and poised to take on the competition and showcase their talent to the world at the largest skills event in Canadian history.”

The eight Albertans representing Team Canada are: Daniel Reid (Information Network Cabling, Cochrane); Devon DeBoer (Autobody Repair, Calgary); Craig Spady (Electrical Installations, Red Deer); Steven Dingwall (Industrial Control, Calgary); Tiffany Vandermey (Painting and Decorating, Calgary); Daniel Green (Car Painting, Drumheller); Matthew Chadder (IT PC/Network Support, Millarville); and Brad Chyz (Sheet Metal Technology, Calgary).

“With the Competition only a few weeks away, the anticipation and excitement level is very high,” said Team Canada Member, Daniel Reid, “I can’t wait to meet to the other Competitors I will be against, and to prove to myself and everyone that all the training I have been doing the past months has been well worth it.”

Up-to-the-minute Team Canada results can be followed at www.skillsalberta.com, where videos, photos and updates on WorldSkills Calgary 2009 will be posted daily.

WorldSkills Calgary 2009

WorldSkills Calgary 2009, the 40th WorldSkills Competition, will be the largest independent event ever held on Stampede Park. The organising committee, WorldSkills Calgary 2009, is leading the event coordination with support from WorldSkills International, Skills/Compétences Canada and Skills Canada Alberta. Along with numerous sponsors and suppliers, the major event funding partners include: Government of Canada, Government of Alberta and The City of Calgary.

Skills Canada Alberta

As the provincial member of Skills/Compétences Canada, Skills Canada Alberta (SCA) programs foster a culture of pride and appreciate for skilled talent. In 2002, SCA and Skills/Compétences Canada initiated the bid for Alberta and Canada to host of the 40th WorldSkills Competition. Over 250 Alberta schools have embraced the Skills Movement and declared themselves Skill Schools, working with SCA to promote skilled talent. SCA will host their popular Try-A-Trade® demonstrations at Skill City at WorldSkills Calgary 2009 in the Big Top Tent.

Skills/Compétences Canada

Skills/Compétences Canada was founded in 1989 as a national, not-for-profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. Its unique position among private and public sector partners enables it to work toward securing Canada’s future skilled labour needs while helping young people discover rewarding careers. Skills/Compétences Canada offers experiential learning opportunities including skilled trades and technology competitions for hundreds of thousands of young Canadians through regional, provincial/territorial, national and international events, as well as skilled trades awareness programs. Headquartered in Gatineau, Quebec, Skills/Compétences Canada is the Canadian Member organization of WorldSkills International. For more information about Skills/Compétences Canada visit www.skillscanada.com or call 877- 754-5226. 

 CA NewsRelease 090820